Application of response surface methodology in electrochemical degradation of amoxicillin with Cu-PbO2 electrode: optimization and mechanism

Abstract In this study, Cu doped PbO2 electrode was prepared by electrodeposition and used for electrochemical oxidation degradation of amoxicillin (AMX), which showed that the effect of Cu doped PbO2 electrode was better than that of undoped PbO2 electrode in degrading amoxicillin. An optimized model was setup with the help of response surface method (RSM). The optimal values of experimental parameters and the interactions between the parameters were explored, including current density, pH and initial AMX concentration. The combustion efficiency was calculated in the electrochemical oxidation of amoxicillin in aqueous solution and the enhancement was found with Cu doped PbO2 electrode. The enhanced mechanism with Cu doped PbO2 electrode was discussed based on the analysis of hydroxyl radicals and the combustion efficiency. The mechanism of amoxicillin degradation was discussed. This paper can provide basic data and technique reference for amoxicillin pollution control.